Lebanon, Ill. – The SBU women's volleyball team bounced back in a big way Saturday afternoon, sweeping McKendree University to earn its first GLVC victory of the season. The Bearcats took the match 26-24, 25-18, and 25-22 to improve to 9-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
SBU battled through a tight opening set, edging McKendree 26-24 before taking control in the second. The Bearcats recorded 16 kills and hit .293 on their way to a 25-18 victory. SBU finished off the sweep with another 16-kill performance in the third, taking the set 25-22. For the match, the Bearcats outhit McKendree .239 to .157 and held an 8-5 advantage in blocks.
Gabriela Dupree led the offense with 12 kills on a .276 hitting percentage while adding seven digs. Julia Marinesi followed with 10 kills and six digs, while Hanna Klein added six kills. Allie Hawk contributed across the board with 17 assists, nine digs, three kills and an ace.
Kailey Sexton controlled the net for SBU, finishing with a match-high six blocks, including one solo block. Freshman Melissa Patel led the defensive effort with 14 digs while also contributing six assists.
The victory moves the Bearcats to 1-1 in GLVC play as they return home for their conference home opener. SBU will welcome Rockhurst University to the Meyer Sports Center on Friday, September 25 at 6 p.m.
